COUNTYWIDE : Group Rebuts Fears Over Mentally Ill

All mentally ill people should not be locked up because one is accused of a terrible crime, members of a Ventura mental health advocacy group said at a news conference Wednesday.

Members of the Self-Help and Advocacy Resource Encounter said they were appalled by recent comments by Agnus Drive residents who suggested that those with mental illness should be locked up in institutions where they cannot escape.

A man--who doctors believe suffers from mental illness--broke out of restraints and walked away from the Ventura County Medical Center on Jan. 17. He was later arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Velasta Johnson, 90, in her Agnus Drive home the same day.

“This stereotype that the mentally ill are violent criminals hurts the vast majority of those suffering from mental illnesses such as thought and mood disorders,” said Patricia A. Gallagher, a recovered schizophrenic and group member. “Most mentally ill people, just like most normal people, are nonviolent.”

Since Johnson was killed, neighbors in the area have called for increased security at the county mental hospital, even though suspect Kevin Jon Kolodziej walked away from the adjacent medical center.

Residents said they often see mentally ill people in hospital pajamas wandering through their neighborhood. Some residents said they are even considering buying Mace and alarms to protect themselves.

But members of the advocacy group said Wednesday that community members should not be fearful of the mentally ill.

“We are not a threat to you,” said Monica M. Curiel, who suffers from schizophrenia and depression. “Many of us live and work among you without you being aware that we have a mental illness.”

She said the recent killing is “only a rare occurrence.”

“The formation of vigilante, Mace-carrying residents frightens me even more,” said Cathleen L. Higgins, who suffers from schizophrenia and depression.

“It is a proven fact that the mentally ill are not any more violent than the general population,” she said. “We are the victims of crime rather than criminals.”